Crafting Connections Autumn Workshops.
Join us for our heritage and well-being workshops taking place this Autumn! Everyone welcome.
Crafting Connections Autumn Workshops
Manchester Histories are excited to present the delivery of ten heritage and well-being workshops taking place this Autumn. The workshops began on 24 September in the Manchester Histories Hub and will cover one activity from the Crafting Connections Toolkit each week.
In the first workshop we watched a film made by Sam Hanna about the work of Kathleen Heron, a handloom weaver. We discussed how the process of weaving textiles changed from being a cottage industry with the introduction of new machinery in the Industrial Revolution. Using only wool and cardboard rectangles, we learned how to make a mini hand loom and the basics of weaving. The results were vibrant and impressive!
The second workshop was all about patterns that are present in our daily lives. Some participants brought patterned objects to share with the group such as a handmade blouse from the 1970s and denim Sashiko-inspired patches. We watched a short film made by Merton Park Studios in 1941, demonstrating how the design department created and printed patterns onto cotton using rollers. Each participant produced a book of patterns that they imagined or copied from various inspirational materials.
The workshops are designed to improve wellbeing, create social connections and celebrate different aspects of local heritage.
Feedback from a participant showed they decided to join the workshop in order “to get out of the house and find something to do” and they enjoyed “being in company”.
In the upcoming weeks there will be different creative activities on offer including sketching, singing and storytelling, and an opportunity to share your stories and experiences.
While these activities are tailored for people (55+), they’re perfect for anyone looking to connect and create!
To find out more about the workshops available & to book a place via Eventbrite.
DATE: Every Wednesday, 24 September – 26 November 2025
TIME: 2pm-4pm
LOCATION: Manchester Histories Hub, Lower Ground Floor, Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD.
FREE TO ATTEND
Crafting Connections: A Heritage for Wellbeing Toolkit
Drawing on resources from Manchester Archives+ partnership, the toolkit demonstrates how engaging with the past can enhance wellbeing in the present.
Dr. Erin Beeston worked collaboratively to deliver this toolkit and authored the accompanying report and resources. We would like to thank our partners Creative Manchester, Archives+, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations and Resource Centre & Education Trust.
If you would like to find out more about the toolkit, read the project report and link to other resources around heritage & wellbeing please CLICK HERE.
